Single Tickets to The Dallas Opera's 'Seeking the Human Element' Season on Sale This Week

Single tickets for The Dallas Opera's magnificent 2015-2016 "Seeking the Human Element" Season, and popular TDO Family Performances will go on sale to the general public Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at 10:00 a.m.

The season, which includes five spectacular operas including two highly-anticipated world premieres, is presented by Texas Instruments. Mainstage performances take place in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center, 2403 Flora Street, in the Dallas Arts District.

Often considered the ultimate art form, opera combines fabulous singing and acting, innovative sets and costumes, a full orchestra and chorus and the greatest stories and music of all time.

An incredible value, single tickets start at the low price of $19 and may be purchased, 24/7, at www.dallasopera.org or by calling our friendly TDO ticket office professionals at 214-443-1000 -- beginning July 15th.

Enjoy excellent savings and wonderful subscriber benefits by purchasing a Full Season or Flex subscription available now. Full subscriptions (five productions) begin at the incredibly low price of just $95; Flex subscriptions (three productions) start at just $75. Four opera packages are also available upon request. Benefits include ticket exchange privileges, promotions, optimal seat selection, payment plans, invitations to exclusive events, discounted parking and free ticket replacement.

Here are some highlights of the upcoming Dallas Opera season:

· GREAT SCOTT is a world premiere featuring a stellar cast of internationally renowned performers and a production "dream team" led by composer Jake Heggie, librettist Terrence McNally, conductor Patrick Summers and stage director Jack O'Brien. Superstar mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato leads the cast in the title role of Arden Scott. Also starring soprano Ailyn Pérez, the legendary Frederica von Stade, and magnetic baritone Nathan Gunn. (Oct. 30 The Linda and Mitch Hart Season Opening Night Performance, Nov. 1(m), 4, 7 & 15(m), 2015)

· TOSCA, the classic, passionate Italian opera set in Rome centers around the character Floria Tosca, an opera diva (soprano Emily Magee). Giacomo Puccini's tale of love, lust, political intrigue and abuse of power also stars Chilean tenor Giancarlo Monsalve as Cavaradossi, the artist who loves her. (Nov. 6, 8(m), 11, 14, 20 & 22(m), 2015)

· BECOMING SANTA CLAUS, a warm-hearted world premiere, likely to become a new holiday tradition, is by American composer Mark Adamo. The family-friendly opera stars mezzo-soprano Jennifer Rivera as Queen Sophine and features charismatic young tenor Juan José de León in the role of Prince Claus. (Dec. 4, 6(m), 9 & 12, 2015)

· MANON is a French opera by Jules Massenet about a naive young lady who learns that true love and romantic dalliances don't necessarily bring happiness. The alluring and versatile lovely soprano Ailyn Pérez stars in the title role. (Mar. 4, 6(m), 9 & 12, 2016)

· SHOW BOAT features some of musical theater's greatest hits including the show-stopping "Ol' Man River" and "Make Believe." The 20th century masterpiece by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II will be enriched with the power of the operatic voice. (Apr. 15, 17(m), 20, 23, 29 & May 1, 2016)

"Our goal is to present a wide range of productions providing an inspiring artistic and entertainment experience," explains Dallas Opera General Director and CEO Keith Cerny. "We commissioned two premieres by some of the best composers and librettists of today to continue to add outstanding works to the operatic canon. Complementing these premieres are two classics of the repertoire, and TDO's first-ever great American Musical. Newcomers to opera are invited to be thrilled by this uniquely diverse art form, and aficionados will continue to experience world-class opera performed by extraordinary talent."

Starting the season off on a high note, The Dallas Opera presents the world premiere of Great Scott by acclaimed composer Jake Heggie (Moby-Dick) and Terrence McNally, an award-winning playwright. In Mr. McNally's original story and libretto, international opera star Arden Scott (Joyce DiDonato, The Marnie and Kern Wildenthal Princpal Artist) returns to her hometown to try to save the struggling opera company that launched her to fame and fortune. She faces unexpected competition from an ambitious young soprano (Ailyn Pérez) as well as community excitement surrounding the local pro-football team's first national championship game (Go Grizzlies!). Great Scott is made possible through support from Presenting Sponsor, The Eugene McDermott Foundation, and additional support from Hoblitzelle Foundation, Carol Franc Buck Foundation, The National Endowment for the Arts and the Opera Fund, a program of OPERA America.

Next, TDO will present Tosca, a beloved, beautiful yet riveting traditional production by Puccini. Audience members will be on the edge of their seats as Tosca (Emily Magee) fends off the evil and pathological Baron Scarpia (portrayed by Raymond Aceto) in an effort to save her lover's life. This captivating opera will be conducted by internationally renowned Dallas Opera Music Director Emmanuel Villaume of whom the Financial Times wrote he "reinforced a delicate balance between lyrical restraint and dramatic exuberance."

The third production is the world premiere of the whimsical-yet-poignant holiday opera Becoming Santa Claus by renowned American composer and librettist Mark Adamo. With a magical set and costumes, glorious music, the power and beauty of operatic voices as well as some delightful surprises, this new production will inspire everyone in the family! The opera stars exceptional performers Jennifer Rivera as Queen Sophine, Juan José de León as Prince Claus and Matt Boehler in his company debut as Donkey. This world premiere production is made possible through generous underwriting support from Dr. and Mrs. Tom Mayer and Maile and Charles Shea.

TDO's fourth production, the much-loved Manon, is the compelling story of a beautiful young woman (acclaimed soprano Ailyn Pérez) whose character transforms from an innocent, to a seductress, to a woman mired in shame. Tenor Stephen Costello (Moby-Dick) stars as Chevalier des Grieux, the man who truly loves Manon and hopes to save her from exile. Dallas Opera Music Director Emeritus Graeme Jenkins returns to conduct The Dallas Opera Orchestra in what many consider to be Massenet's greatest work!

The season finale is Show Boat, which tells the story of a young couple, Magnolia Hawks (radiant soprano Andriana Chuchman) and the irresistible Gaylord Ravenal, a riverboat gambler (baritone Michael Todd Simpson), who fall madly in love. They begin performing together on her parent's show boat, "The Cotton Blossom." But after her mother disapproves of their marriage, their performing career ends, Ravenal starts gambling again and their love hits choppy waters. The musical also addresses issues of racism and addiction. The brilliant production created by Francesca Zambello, will be conducted by TDO Music Director Emmanuel Villaume.

"Our single tickets present a fantastic opportunity to see some of the best entertainment available in North Texas and are a great option for those that desire more flexibility! We welcome your calls and clicks starting on July 15 to help ensure your favorite seats are available," adds Dallas Opera Marketing Director Carrie Ellen Adamian. "Subscriptions are also an extremely attractive option for ticket buyers and offer multiple benefits like discounts, tickets exchanges and payment plans."

Guest stars making highly anticipated Dallas Opera debuts this season include:

· Joyce DiDonato, soprano, making her TDO debut as Arden Scott in Great Scott, is an internationally renowned performer. "...even Carnegie Hall didn't seem large enough to contain her voice and expressive presence...Every mood and dynamic seems addressed directly to the listener with no dramatic barrier," raved George Grella, New York Classical Review.

· Giancarlo Monsalve, tenor, will portray the role of Mario Cavaradossi, Tosca's lover. "The climax of the evening was a young Chilean tenor...Nearly six feet high, with an athletic physique and a spectacular sensual look, Monsalve is nothing but a typical tenor." Cyril Veselago Becenaro, Opera News

· Jennifer Rivera: According to the New York Times "Jennifer sang...with a luminous mezzo-soprano and reacted keenly to the opera's swiftly changing moods." She will create the role of Queen Sophine in Becoming Santa Claus in her TDO debut.

· Matt Boehler, bass, has been hailed by the New York Times as "a bass with an attitude and the goods to back it up." Making his TDO debut, he will create the roles of Donkey and Messenger in Becoming Santa Claus.

· Edwin Crossley-Mercer, baritone, stars as Lescaut in Manon in his TDO debut. "Edwin Crossley-Mercer makes us appreciate the great French baritone tradition again with its original singing, precise expression and simple vocal beauty." Concert Classique

· David Pittsinger makes his TDO debut as Le Comte in Manon. "His brilliant, knife-clean bass-baritone voice, impeccable enunciation-even with a French accent-and his authoritative, passionate delivery provide the perfect mix of romance, passion, and traditional masculine bravado." The Washington Times

· Andrianna Chuchman, soprano, has been praised by The Chicago Tribune for radiating "enough vocal allure, physical beauty and charm to light up the stage," in her starring role of Magnolia Hawks in Show Boat.

· Alyson Cambridge: Opera News raved "Alyson Cambridge's sparkling soprano was matched by her confident, thoroughly believable characterization." The soprano makes her TDO debut as Julie in Show Boat.

Returning to the Dallas Opera stage this season are many highly regarded artists:

· Frederica von Stade: Adding to the stellar cast of Great Scott, the mezzo-soprano will portray the character of Mrs. Edward "Winnie" Flato. New York Newsday has raved, "Her singing was polished yet warm, like china under whose thin glase are painted scenes of extraordinary delicacy...It was something close to ecstasy."

· Nathan Gunn, stars as the love interest Sid Taylor in Great Scott. "Gunn tailors his impressive baritone arsenal of robust legato climaxes, snarly macho lower notes and beautiful floating upper tones..." Opera News

· Ailyn Pérez: The highly sought-after soprano stars as Tatyana Bakst in Great Scott and the title role of Manon. "...the bewitching young American soprano puts her heart into every twist of the drama...her performance was glorious, the quiet passages magical." The Observer (UK)

· Emily Magee, soprano stars as the Floria Tosca. She is described by Robert Levine of Classics Today as "a super Tosca, singing with clarity and grand tone, delivering outrage and tenderness in equal proportions. Her 'Vissi d'arte' is gorgeous."

· Stephen Costello, tenor, stars as des Grieux in Manon, has been described by Opera News as "A first-class talent...An intelligent, well trained singer whose enormous talent and natural musical instincts mark him for potential greatness."

· Kevin Burdette, bass, will create the role of Eric Gold in Great Scott. According to a review from the San Francisco Chronicle "...his performance was a tour de force of vocal splendor and comic timing."

· Raymond Aceto garnered high praise from Opera News for his portrayal of the Baron Scarpia in Tosca. "Raymond Aceto's powerful, pathologically evil baron could have carried the night on his own. The varying colors of Aceto's bass and the nuances of his acting brought realism and depth to the character-predatory, slithering, manipulative in Act I; cruel, taunting and wolfishly greedy in Act II."

The Dallas Opera Family Performances are generously supported by Texas Instruments and the Betty and Steve Suellentrop Educational Outreach Fund. TDO Family Performances are a part of the Perot Foundation Education and Community Outreach Programs.

In addition to the July 26, 2015 performance of The Billy Goats Gruff at Dallas Children's Theater, $5 single tickets are on sale now at 214-443-1000 for these upcoming, eagerly anticipated TDO Family Performances:

· Mozart's Bastien and Bastienne, a little romance with The Dallas Opera Orchestra conducted by Paolo Bressan: Winspear Opera House, 2:00 p.m. December 5, 2015 and March 5, 2016.

· Rossini and Company, the composer's greatest hits performed by The Dallas Opera Orchestra and guest artists: Winspear Opera House, 2:00 p.m. curtain on November 21, 2015 under the baton of guest conductor Peter Manning and March 13, 2016, under the baton of guest conductor Paolo Bressan.

· The Billy Goats Gruff featuring outstanding young artists and The Dallas Opera Orchestra led by guest conductor Peter Manning: Winspear Opera House, 2:00 p.m., April 16, 2016.

The Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House is conveniently located in the heart of the Arts District at 2403 Flora Street, Dallas, TX 75201.